U.S. patent application number 17/063559 was filed with the patent office on 2021-08-12 for touch sensor and display device having the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Tae Ik Kim, Hyun Sik Park, Chun Gi YOU.
Application Number | 20210247872 17/063559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005136055 |
Filed Date | 2021-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210247872 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YOU; Chun Gi ; et
al. |
August 12, 2021 |
TOUCH SENSOR AND DISPLAY DEVICE HAVING THE SAME
Abstract
A touch sensor for a display device includes: a base layer; a
plurality of first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second
sensing electrodes spaced apart from each other on the base layer;
a first connector electrically connecting the first sensing
electrodes adjacent to each other; a first insulating layer
disposed on the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing
electrodes; a conductor disposed on the first insulating layer and
connected to the second sensing electrodes through the first
insulating layer; and a second insulating layer disposed on the
first insulating layer to cover the conductor. The first insulating
layer includes a first opening exposing at least one of a portion
of a first separation area between the first connector and the
second sensing electrodes, a portion of the first connector, and a
portion of the second sensing electrodes, and the first opening is
spaced apart from the conductor.
Inventors: |
YOU; Chun Gi; (Yongin-si,
KR) ; Kim; Tae Ik; (Yongin-si, KR) ; Park;
Hyun Sik; (Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005136055 |
Appl. No.: |
17/063559 |
Filed: |
October 5, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0448 20190501;
H01L 23/31 20130101; H01L 23/48 20130101; G06F 3/0443 20190501;
H01L 27/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; H01L 23/48 20060101 H01L023/48; H01L 23/31 20060101
H01L023/31; H01L 27/12 20060101 H01L027/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 7, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0015152 |
Claims
1. A touch sensor for a display device, the touch sensor
comprising: a base layer; a plurality of first sensing electrodes
and a plurality of second sensing electrodes spaced apart from each
other on the base layer; a first connector electrically connecting
the first sensing electrodes adjacent to each other; a first
insulating layer disposed on the first sensing electrodes and the
second sensing electrodes; a conductor disposed on the first
insulating layer and connected to the second sensing electrodes
through the first insulating layer; and a second insulating layer
disposed on the first insulating layer to cover the conductor,
wherein the first insulating layer includes a first opening
exposing at least one of a portion of a first separation area
between the first connector and the second sensing electrodes, a
portion of the first connector, and a portion of the second sensing
electrodes, and the first opening is spaced apart from the
conductor.
2. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the first sensing
electrodes are arranged along a first direction, the second sensing
electrodes are arranged along a second direction intersecting the
first direction, and the first sensing electrodes, the second
sensing electrodes, and the first connector are disposed on a same
layer.
3. The touch sensor of claim 2, further comprising: an electrode
electrically connecting the second sensing electrodes adjacent to
each other, wherein the electrode is disposed on the same layer as
the first sensing electrodes and surrounded by the first sensing
electrodes, and the electrode is spaced apart from the first
sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes.
4. The touch sensor of claim 3, wherein the first insulating layer
further includes a second opening overlapping a second separation
area between the electrode and the first connector, and the second
opening exposes a portion of the electrode and a portion of the
first connector.
5. The touch sensor of claim 4, wherein the first insulating layer
further includes a third opening overlapping the second separation
area, and the third opening exposes another portion of the
electrode and a portion of the first sensing electrodes.
6. The touch sensor of claim 3, wherein the first connector
comprises a first connector portion, the conductor comprises a
conductive pattern, and the electrode comprises an electrode
pattern, and the conductive pattern is connected to the electrode
pattern through a contact hole passing through the first insulating
layer, and the conductive pattern and the electrode pattern
comprise a second connection portion electrically connecting the
second sensing electrodes adjacent to each other.
7. The touch sensor of claim 6, wherein the conductive pattern
comprises: a first bridge electrode connected to one of the second
sensing electrodes adjacent to each other and the electrode
pattern; and a second bridge electrode connected to another one of
the second sensing electrodes adjacent to each other and the
electrode pattern.
8. The touch sensor of claim 7, wherein: at least one of the first
sensing electrodes, the second sensing electrodes, and the
electrode pattern includes a recess extending inwardly from an edge
in a plan view, and the recess overlaps one of the first bridge
electrode and the second bridge electrode.
9. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein: the first opening exposes
a portion of the base layer in the first separation area, and the
second insulating layer contacts the base layer through the first
opening.
10. The touch sensor of claim 9, wherein the second insulating
layer contacts the portion of the first connector and the portion
of the second sensing electrodes exposed by the first opening.
11. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the first insulating layer
further includes a fourth opening exposing the first separation
area between the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing
electrodes, a portion of the first sensing electrodes, and a
portion of the second sensing electrodes.
12. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the conductor electrically
connects the second sensing electrodes adjacent to each other
through a contact hole passing through the first insulating
layer.
13. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the first sensing
electrodes, the second sensing electrodes, and the first connector
include a transparent conductive material.
14. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the conductor comprises a
conductive pattern having a single layer or multilayer structure
including molybdenum (Mo).
15. A touch sensor for a display device, the touch sensor
comprising: a base layer including a sensing area; a sensing
electrode layer disposed on the sensing area of the base layer; a
first insulating layer disposed on the sensing electrode layer; a
conductor disposed on the first insulating layer and connected to a
portion of the sensing electrode layer through the first insulating
layer; and a second insulating layer disposed on the first
insulating layer to cover the conductor, wherein: the sensing
electrode layer includes a recess extending inwardly from an edge
in a plan view, and the recess overlaps the conductor.
16. The touch sensor of claim 15, wherein the sensing electrode
layer comprises: a plurality of first sensing electrodes arranged
along a first direction; a plurality of second sensing electrodes
arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction
and spaced apart from the first sensing electrodes by a first
distance; and a first connector electrically connecting the first
sensing electrodes adjacent to each other, and wherein: the recess
comprises a concave portion disposed adjacent to an edge of the
first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes, and the
conductor electrically connects the second sensing electrodes
adjacent to each other through a contact hole passing through the
first insulating layer.
17. The touch sensor of claim 16, wherein a second distance between
the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes
adjacent to each other in an area including the concave portion is
greater than the first distance.
18. The touch sensor of claim 15, wherein: the sensing electrode
layer includes a transparent conductive material, and the conductor
comprises a conductive pattern having a single layer or multilayer
structure including molybdenum (Mo).
19. The touch sensor of claim 15, wherein the recess has one of a
generally polygonal and a semicircular shape in a plan view.
20. A display device comprising: a display panel including a light
emitting element and an encapsulation layer covering the light
emitting element; and a touch sensor disposed on the display panel,
wherein the touch sensor comprises: a base layer; a plurality of
first sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing
electrodes spaced apart from each other on the base layer; a first
connector electrically connecting the first sensing electrodes
adjacent to each other; a first insulating layer disposed on the
first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes; a
conductor disposed on the first insulating layer and connected to
the second sensing electrodes through the first insulating layer;
and a second insulating layer disposed on the first insulating
layer to cover the conductor, wherein: the first insulating layer
includes a first opening exposing a first separation area between
the first connector and the second sensing electrodes, a portion of
the first connector, and a portion of the second sensing
electrodes, and the first opening is spaced apart from the
conductor.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application No 10-2020-0015152, filed on Feb. 7,
2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as
if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] Exemplary implementations of the invention relate generally
to a display device and more specifically, to a display device with
a touch sensor.
Discussion of the Background
[0003] Recent display devices have been developed to perform an
information input function in addition to an image display
function. In general, the information input function of the display
device may be implemented as a touch sensor for receiving a touch
of a user or a touch from a predetermined tool.
[0004] The touch sensor such as an input sensing unit is attached
to one surface of a display panel implementing the image display
function or formed integrally with the display panel to be used.
The user may input information by pressing or touching the input
sensing unit while viewing the image displayed by the display
panel.
[0005] A defect such as a short circuit or a disconnection of an
internal circuit may occur due to static electricity generated
during a manufacturing process or a use process of the input
sensing unit, and research for preventing the defect due to the
static electricity is being conducted.
[0006] The above information disclosed in this Background section
is only for understanding of the background of the inventive
concepts, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not
constitute prior art.
SUMMARY
[0007] Applicant discovered that a touch sensor of display devices
can be damaged by static electricity during the manufacturing
process.
[0008] Touch sensors and display devices including the same
constructed according to the principles and some exemplary
implementations of the invention minimize or prevent the touch
senor from being damaged by the static electricity. For example,
the touch sensor may include an insulating layer with one or more
openings exposing sensing electrodes such that static electricity
may not accumulate between the sensing electrodes but may be
discharged. Thus, defects such as short circuits between the
sensing electrodes may be minimized or prevented.
[0009] Touch sensors and display devices including the same
constructed according to the principles and some exemplary
implementations of the invention include a recess, such as a
concave portion, in a connector extending between sensing
electrodes to minimize the accumulation of static electricity. Thus
short circuit defects or the like in the touch sensor due to the
inflow of the static electricity may be improved.
[0010] Touch sensors and display devices including the same
constructed according to the principles and some exemplary
implementations of the invention have conductors, such as,
conductive patterns for connecting the sensing electrodes to each
other that are short in length to reduce the resistance due to the
conductive pattern and/or make the conductive pattern difficult to
be recognized or observed by the user.
[0011] Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
inventive concepts.
[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, a touch sensor for
a display device includes: a base layer; a plurality of first
sensing electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes
spaced apart from each other on the base layer; a first connector
electrically connecting the first sensing electrodes adjacent to
each other; a first insulating layer disposed on the first sensing
electrodes and the second sensing electrodes; a conductor disposed
on the first insulating layer and connected to the second sensing
electrodes through the first insulating layer; and a second
insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer to cover
the conductor, wherein the first insulating layer includes a first
opening exposing at least one of a portion of a first separation
area between the first connector and the second sensing electrodes,
a portion of the first connector, and a portion of the second
sensing electrodes, and the first opening is spaced apart from the
conductor.
[0013] The first sensing electrodes may be arranged along a first
direction, the second sensing electrodes are arranged along a
second direction intersecting the first direction, and the first
sensing electrodes, the second sensing electrodes, and the first
connector are disposed on a same layer.
[0014] The touch sensor may further include: an electrode
electrically connecting the second sensing electrodes adjacent to
each other, wherein the electrode may be disposed on the same layer
as the first sensing electrodes and surrounded by the first sensing
electrodes, and the electrode may be spaced apart from the first
sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes.
[0015] The first insulating layer may further include a second
opening overlapping a second separation area between the electrode
and the first connector, and the second opening exposes a portion
of the electrode and a portion of the first connector.
[0016] The first insulating layer may further include a third
opening overlapping the second separation area, and the third
opening exposes another portion of the electrode and a portion of
the first sensing electrodes.
[0017] The first connector may include a first connector portion,
the conductor may include a conductive pattern, and the electrode
may include an electrode pattern, and the conductive pattern is
connected to the electrode pattern through a contact hole passing
through the first insulating layer, and the conductive pattern and
the electrode pattern may include a second connection portion
electrically connecting the second sensing electrodes adjacent to
each other.
[0018] The conductive pattern may include: a first bridge electrode
connected to one of the second sensing electrodes adjacent to each
other and the electrode pattern; and a second bridge electrode
connected to another one of the second sensing electrodes adjacent
to each other and the electrode pattern.
[0019] At least one of the first sensing electrodes, the second
sensing electrodes, and the electrode pattern may include a recess
extending inwardly from an edge in a plan view, and the recess may
overlap one of the first bridge electrode and the second bridge
electrode.
[0020] The first opening may expose a portion of the base layer in
the first separation area, and the second insulating layer may
contact the base layer through the first opening.
[0021] The second insulating layer may contact the portion of the
first connector and the portion of the second sensing electrodes
exposed by the first opening.
[0022] The first insulating layer may further include a fourth
opening exposing the first separation area between the first
sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes, a portion of
the first sensing electrodes, and a portion of the second sensing
electrodes.
[0023] The conductor electrically may connect the second sensing
electrodes adjacent to each other through a contact hole passing
through the first insulating layer.
[0024] The first sensing electrodes, the second sensing electrodes,
and the first connector may include a transparent conductive
material.
[0025] The conductor may include a conductive pattern having a
single layer or multilayer structure including molybdenum (Mo).
[0026] According to another aspect of the invention, a touch sensor
for a display device includes: a base layer including a sensing
area; a sensing electrode layer disposed on the sensing area of the
base layer; a first insulating layer disposed on the sensing
electrode layer; a conductor disposed on the first insulating layer
and connected to a portion of the sensing electrode layer through
the first insulating layer; and a second insulating layer disposed
on the first insulating layer to cover the conductor, wherein: the
sensing electrode layer includes a recess extending inwardly from
an edge in a plan view, and the recess overlaps the conductor.
[0027] The sensing electrode layer may include: a plurality of
first sensing electrodes arranged along a first direction; a
plurality of second sensing electrodes arranged along a second
direction intersecting the first direction and spaced apart from
the first sensing electrodes by a first distance; and a first
connector electrically connecting the first sensing electrodes
adjacent to each other, and wherein: the recess may include a
concave portion disposed adjacent to an edge of the first sensing
electrodes and the second sensing electrodes, and the conductor
electrically connects the second sensing electrodes adjacent to
each other through a contact hole passing through the first
insulating layer.
[0028] A second distance between the first sensing electrodes and
the second sensing electrodes adjacent to each other in an area
including the concave portion may be greater than the first
distance.
[0029] The sensing electrode layer may include a transparent
conductive material, and the conductor may include a conductive
pattern having a single layer or multilayer structure including
molybdenum (Mo).
[0030] The recess may have one of a generally polygonal and a
semicircular shape in a plan view.
[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, a display
device includes: a display panel including a light emitting element
and an encapsulation layer covering the light emitting element; and
a touch sensor disposed on the display panel, wherein the touch
sensor includes: a base layer; a plurality of first sensing
electrodes and a plurality of second sensing electrodes spaced
apart from each other on the base layer; a first connector
electrically connecting the first sensing electrodes adjacent to
each other; a first insulating layer disposed on the first sensing
electrodes and the second sensing electrodes; a conductor disposed
on the first insulating layer and connected to the second sensing
electrodes through the first insulating layer; and a second
insulating layer disposed on the first insulating layer to cover
the conductor, wherein: the first insulating layer includes a first
opening exposing a first separation area between the first
connector and the second sensing electrodes, a portion of the first
connector, and a portion of the second sensing electrodes, and the
first opening is spaced apart from the conductor.
[0032] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention, and together with the description
serve to explain the inventive concepts.
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
display device constructed according to the principles of the
invention.
[0035] FIGS. 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views schematically
illustrating the display device of FIG. 1.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a touch sensor of the display
device of FIG. 1.
[0037] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of an enlarged area (EA) portion
in FIG. 3 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor
of FIG. 3.
[0038] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the EA portion in FIG. 3
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 3.
[0039] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A' of
FIG. 4A.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines B-B' of
FIG. 4A.
[0041] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the EA portion in FIG. 3
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 3.
[0042] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the EA portion in FIG. 3
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 3.
[0043] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a CA portion in FIG. 8.
[0044] FIG. 10A is an enlarged view of the CA portion in FIG. 8
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 8.
[0045] FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of the CA portion in FIG. 8
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0046] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments
or implementations of the invention. As used herein "embodiments"
and "implementations" are interchangeable words that are
non-limiting examples of devices or methods employing one or more
of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is apparent,
however, that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced
without these specific details or with one or more equivalent
arrangements. In other instances, well-known structures and devices
are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily
obscuring various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplary
embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For
example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an
exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another
exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive
concepts.
[0047] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary
embodiments are to be understood as providing exemplary features of
varying detail of some ways in which the inventive concepts may be
implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the
features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions,
and/or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively
referred to as "elements"), of the various embodiments may be
otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged
without departing from the inventive concepts.
[0048] The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying
drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between
adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of
cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or
requirement for particular materials, material properties,
dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated
elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property,
etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the
accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may
be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When an
exemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific
process order may be performed differently from the described
order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be
performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order
opposite to the described order. Also, like reference numerals
denote like elements.
[0049] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being
"on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it
may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element
or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. When,
however, an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on,"
"directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element
or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. To
this end, the term "connected" may refer to physical, electrical,
and/or fluid connection, with or without intervening elements.
Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis are not limited
to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x, y,
and z-axes, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example,
the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis may be perpendicular to
one another, or may represent different directions that are not
perpendicular to one another. For the purposes of this disclosure,
"at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the
group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be construed as X only, Y
only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z,
such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0050] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used
herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should
not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish
one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed
below could be termed a second element without departing from the
teachings of the disclosure.
[0051] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"under," "lower," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "side" (e.g.,
as in "sidewall"), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive
purposes, and, thereby, to describe one elements relationship to
another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially
relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of
an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to
the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the
apparatus in the drawings is turned over, elements described as
"below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be
oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above
and below. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented
(e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such,
the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used
herein, the singular forms, "a," "an," and "the" are intended to
include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," and/or "including," when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms
"substantially," "about," and other similar terms, are used as
terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such,
are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured,
calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0053] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with
reference to sectional and/or exploded illustrations that are
schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or
intermediate structures. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, exemplary embodiments
disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to
the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include
deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing.
In this manner, regions illustrated in the drawings may be
schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflect
actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are not
necessarily intended to be limiting.
[0054] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
disclosure is a part. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used
dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is
consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art
and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal
sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
[0055] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a
display device constructed according to the principles of the
invention.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 1, the display device DD may display an
image IM through a display surface DD-IS. The display surface DD-IS
may be substantially parallel to a surface defined by a first
direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. A normal direction of the
display surface DD-IS, i.e., a thickness direction of the display
device DD, may be indicated by a third direction DR3.
[0057] A front surface (or an upper surface) and a back surface (or
a lower surface) of each of members, layers, or units described
below may be distinguished by the third direction DR3. However, the
first to third directions DR1, DR2, and DR3 are merely examples,
and the directions indicated by the first to third directions DR1,
DR2, and DR3 and may be converted into different directions as a
relative concept.
[0058] The display device DD shown in FIG. 1 may have a
substantially planar display surface. However, exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the display
device DD may have various types of display surfaces capable of
displaying an image, such as a curved display surface or a
stereoscopic display surface.
[0059] The display device DD may be a flexible display device. For
example, the display device DD may be applied to a foldable display
device, a bendable display device, a rollable display device, and
the like. Exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto, and the
display device DD may be a rigid display device.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the display surface DD-IS of the display
device DD may include a display area DD-DA in which the image IM is
displayed and a non-display area DD-NDA adjacent to the display
area DD-DA. The non-display area DD-NDA may be an area in which the
image is not displayed. The non-display area DD-NDA may be disposed
outside the display area DD-DA.
[0061] FIGS. 2A to 2C are cross-sectional views schematically
illustrating the display device of FIG. 1.
[0062] FIGS. 2A to 2C are simply shown for describing the stacked
relationship of a functional panel and/or functional units
configuring the display device DD.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2A to 2C, the display device DD may
include a display panel DP, a touch sensor such as input sensing
units ISL and ISL-1, and window units WL and WP. The display device
DD may further include an anti-reflection unit.
[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the input sensing units ISL and
ISL-1, and the window units WL and WP may be formed in a continuous
process. In another exemplary embodiment, the input sensing units
ISL and ISL-1, and the window units WL and WP may be combined with
each other through an adhesive member. The adhesive member may
include a common adhesive or an adhesive. The adhesive member shown
in FIGS. 2A and 2C may be an optical transparent adhesive member
OCA as an example.
[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel DP may include
a base layer, a circuit element, a display element, and an
encapsulation layer.
[0066] The circuit element may be disposed on the base layer and
may include a signal line, a pixel driving circuit, and the
like.
[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the display element may include
a pixel definition film and a light emitting diode. The display
element may be disposed on the circuit element and may be
electrically connected to the circuit element. The light emitting
diode may be an organic light emitting diode or an inorganic light
emitting diode. The display element may be a pixel.
[0068] The encapsulation layer may be disposed to cover and seal
the display element. The encapsulation layer may include at least
one organic film and at least one inorganic film. The encapsulation
layer may be a base layer of the input sensing units ISL and
ISL-1.
[0069] In an exemplary embodiment, the input sensing units ISL and
ISL-1 may sense a touch or an input by an external medium such as a
hand, stylus, or a pen to the display surface DD-IS of the display
device DD.
[0070] In FIGS. 2A to 2C, a structure formed through a continuous
process with another structure among the input sensing units ISL
and ISL-1 and the window units WL and WP is described as a "layer".
A layer combined with another structure of the touch sensor and the
window unit is described as a "panel".
[0071] The input sensing units ISL and ISL-1 and the window units
WL and WP is referred to as an input sensing panel and a window
panel WP when there is the base layer therein. The input sensing
units ISL and ISL-1 and the window units WL and WP are referred to
an input sensing layer ISL and a window layer WL when there is no
base layer.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 2A, the display device DD may include the
display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISL, the anti-reflection
panel RPP, and the window panel WP.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, the input sensing layer ISL may
be disposed directly on the display panel DP.
[0074] A display module DM may include the display panel DP and the
input sensing layer ISL disposed on the display panel DP. The
optical transparent adhesive member OCA may be disposed between the
display module DM and the anti-reflection panel RPP, and between
the anti-reflection panel RPP and the window panel WP.
[0075] The input sensing layer ISL may be disposed in the display
panel DP or on the display panel DP.
[0076] The display panel DP may be a light emitting display panel,
but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the
display panel DP may be an organic light emitting display panel, a
quantum dot light emitting display panel, or other known type of
display panel.
[0077] The anti-reflection panel RPP reduces a reflectance of
external light incident from an upper side of the window panel WP.
In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-reflection panel RPP may
include a phase retarder and a polarizer. The phase retarder may be
a film type or a liquid crystal coating type, and may include a
.lamda./2 phase retarder and/or a .lamda./4 phase retarder. The
polarizer may also be a film type or a liquid crystal coating
type.
[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, the anti-reflection panel RPP
may include color filters. The color filters have a predetermined
arrangement. The arrangement of the color filters may be determined
in consideration of emission colors of pixels included in the
display panel DP. The anti-reflection panel RPP may further include
a black matrix adjacent to the color filters.
[0079] In an exemplary embodiment, the window panel WP may include
a base film WP-BS and a light blocking pattern WP-BZ. The base film
WP-BS may include a glass substrate, a synthetic resin film, and/or
the like. The base film WP-BS is not limited to a single layer. For
example, the base film WP-BS may include two or more films combined
to each other by an adhesive member.
[0080] The light blocking pattern WP-BZ partially overlaps the base
film WP-BS. The light blocking pattern WP-BZ may be disposed on a
back surface of the base film WP-BS to define a bezel area of the
display device DD, i.e., the non-display area DD-NDA (refer to FIG.
1).
[0081] The window panel WP may further include a functional coating
layer disposed on an upper surface of the base film WP-BS. The
functional coating layer may include a finger prevention layer, an
anti-reflection layer, a hard coating layer, and the like.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 2B, the display device DD may include the
display panel DP, the input sensing layer ISL, the anti-reflection
layer RPL, and the window layer WL. An adhesive member may be
omitted from the display device DD, and the input sensing layer
ISL, the anti-reflection layer RPL, and the window layer WL may be
formed in a continuous process on the base surface provided to the
display panel DP. The stacked order of the input sensing layer ISL
and the anti-reflection layer RPL may be changed.
[0083] As shown in FIG. 2C, the display device DD may not include a
separate anti-reflection unit. In an exemplary embodiment, the
display device DD may include the display panel DP, the input
sensing layer ISL-1, and the window panel WP. Here, the input
sensing layer ISL-1 may further have an anti-reflection
function.
[0084] In FIGS. 2A to 2C, the input sensing unit is shown as
entirely overlapping the display panel. However, exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the input sensing
unit may overlap only a portion of the display area DD-DA, or may
overlap only the non-display area DD-NDA. The input sensing unit
may be a touch sensing panel that senses a touch of a user, or a
fingerprint sensing panel that senses fingerprint information of a
finger of the user. The pitch of the sensing electrodes and widths
of the sensing electrodes described below may be changed according
to the particular design or use of the input sensing unit.
[0085] FIG. 3 is a plan view of a touch sensor of the display
device of FIG. 1.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 3, the touch sensor TS may include a base
layer BL, a sensing electrode layer SE, and a signal line CL. The
touch sensor TS may further include a pad portion PD connected to
the signal line CL.
[0087] The base layer BL may be formed of a transparent insulating
material, e.g., glass, quartz, ceramic, plastic, or the like. The
base layer BL may be formed as a flexible substrate when the base
layer BL is formed of plastic. For example, the base layer BL may
be formed of one of a polyethersulphone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR),
polyetherimide (PEI), polyethyelene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene
terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyallylate,
polyimide, polycarbonate (PC), cellulose triacetate (SAC), and
cellulose acetate propionate (CAP), but exemplary embodiments are
not limited thereto.
[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the base layer BL may be an
inorganic material. For example, the base layer BL may correspond
to the uppermost layer of the encapsulation layer of the display
panel DP of FIG. 1. In this case, the base layer BL may include a
silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide
layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum oxide layer, or the
like.
[0089] The base layer BL may include a sensing area SA that
recognizes or detects the touch of the user and a non-sensing area
NSA that does not recognize or detect the touch of the user. In
FIG. 3, the sensing area SA and the non-sensing area NSA are shown
as a quadrangle, but exemplary embodiments are not limited
thereto.
[0090] The sensing area SA may overlap the display area of the
display panel which may be disposed on one surface of the base
layer BL. For example, the sensing area SA may have the same shape
as a shape of the display area. The non-sensing area NSA may
overlap the non-display area of the display panel.
[0091] The sensing area SA may be provided with a plurality of
sensing electrode layers SE and the non-sensing area NSA may be
provided with the pad portion PD and the signal lines CL that
connect the sensing electrode layers SE to the pad portion PD. The
pad portion PD may include a plurality of pads CL_P. Each of the
pads CL_P may be electrically connected to the sensing electrode
layer SE through the signal line CL.
[0092] The sensing electrode layer SE may include first sensing
electrodes SS1 arranged in the first direction DR1. The first
sensing electrodes SS1 arranged along the first direction DR1 may
be electrically connected to each other. For example, the first
sensing electrodes SS1 may be a plurality of first sensing
electrode lines extending in the first direction DR1.
[0093] In addition, the sensing electrode layer SE may include
second sensing electrodes SS2 arranged in the second direction DR2
intersecting the first direction DR1. The second sensing electrodes
SS2 may be electrically connected to each other along the second
direction DR2. For example, the second sensing electrodes SS2 may
be a plurality of second sensing electrode lines extending in the
second direction DR2.
[0094] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensing electrodes SS1
arranged in the first direction DR1 may be integrally formed, or
adjacent first sensing electrodes SS1 may be electrically connected
to each other through a connector such as a connection pattern. In
an exemplary embodiment, the second sensing electrodes SS2 arranged
in the second direction DR2 may be integrally formed, or adjacent
second sensing electrodes SS2 may be electrically connected to each
other through another connector such as a connection pattern.
[0095] The first sensing electrode lines (for example, sensing
electrode row) including the first sensing electrodes SS1 and the
second sensing electrode lines (for example, sensing electrode
column) including the second sensing electrodes SS2 may be
connected to the pads CL_P through the signal lines CL,
respectively. One of the sensing electrode row and the sensing
electrode column may receive a driving signal for touch sensing
through the signal line CL, and the other may transfer a touch
sensing signal through the signal line CL.
[0096] The pad portion PD may be connected to an external driving
circuit such as a position detection circuit. The sensing electrode
layer SE and the external driving circuit may be electrically
connected to each other.
[0097] FIG. 4A is an enlarged view of an enlarged area (EA) portion
in FIG. 3 illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor
of FIG. 3. FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the EA portion in FIG. 3
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines A-A' of
FIG. 4A. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines a B-B'
of FIG. 4A. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the EA portion in FIG. 3
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 3.
[0098] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the touch sensor TS may include
the base layer BL, the sensing electrode layer SE, a first
insulating layer INS1, a conductor in the form of a conductive
pattern MTP, and a second insulating layer INS2.
[0099] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the sensing electrode layer SE may
be disposed on the base layer BL. The sensing electrode layer SE
may include the first sensing electrodes SS1, the second sensing
electrodes SS2, a first connector in the form of first connection
portion CNE1, and an electrode pattern IEP. The sensing electrode
layer SE may be disposed in the sensing area SA.
[0100] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensing electrodes SS1
adjacent to each other along the first direction DR1 may be
connected to each other through the first connection portion CNE1.
For convenience of description, the first sensing electrode SS1 and
the first connection portion CNE1 are divided, but exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the first
connection portion CNE1 may be a portion of the first sensing
electrodes SS1, and the first connection portion CNE1 and the first
sensing electrode SS1 may be integrally formed.
[0101] The second sensing electrode SS2 may be spaced apart from
the first sensing electrode SS1 and the first connection portion
CNE1. The second sensing electrodes SS2 adjacent along the second
direction DR2 may be connected to each other through a second
connector in the form of second connection portion CNE2.
[0102] The second connection portion CNE2 may include the electrode
pattern IEP and the conductive pattern MTP. Referring to FIG. 6,
the electrode pattern IEP and the conductive pattern MTP may be
disposed on different layers, and may be connected through a
contact hole CNT passing through the first insulating layer INS1.
First, the electrode pattern IEP will be described in detail, and
the conductive pattern MTP will be described later.
[0103] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the electrode pattern IEP may
be surrounded by the first sensing electrode SS1 and may be spaced
apart from the first sensing electrodes SS1 and the second sensing
electrodes SS2. The electrode pattern IEP may be positioned between
adjacent second sensing electrodes SS2. For example, the electrode
pattern IEP may include two adjacent electrode patterns IEP that
are surrounded by adjacent first sensing electrodes SS1,
respectively. The two adjacent electrode patterns IEP may be spaced
apart from each other in the first direction DR1. The electrode
pattern IEP may be disposed on the same layer as the first sensing
electrodes SS1 and the second sensing electrodes SS2.
[0104] When the electrode pattern IEP is formed between adjacent
second sensing electrodes SS2, since the length of the conductive
pattern MTP for connecting the second sensing electrodes SS2 may be
short (for example, compared with the conductive pattern MTP of
FIG. 7), the resistance due to the conductive pattern MTP may be
reduced. In addition, even though the conductive pattern MTP
includes an opaque material, since the length of the conductive
pattern MTP is short, the conductive pattern MTP may not be
recognized or observed by the user.
[0105] The second connection portion CNE2 is not limited to the
above. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a second connection portion
CNE2_1 of a touch sensor TS_1 may be formed by only the conductive
pattern MTP. In this case, the electrode pattern IEP may be
omitted, and the conductive pattern MTP may directly connect the
second sensing electrodes SS2 adjacent to each other.
[0106] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, in an exemplary embodiment, a
plurality of second connection portions CNE2 may connect two
adjacent second sensing electrodes SS2 to each other. In FIG. 4A,
two second connection portions CNE2 connect the two sensing
electrodes SS2 adjacent to each other. However, exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto, and four or more second
connection portions CNE2 may be formed. In addition, in FIG. 4A,
the second connection portion CNE2 does not overlap the first
connection portion CNE1, but exemplary embodiments are not limited
thereto. For example, a portion of the second connection portion
CNE2 may overlap a portion of the first connection portion
CNE1.
[0107] The sensing electrode layer SE may be formed by patterning a
first conductive layer coated on the base layer BL using a mask or
the like.
[0108] A conductive material included in the first sensing
electrodes SS1, the second sensing electrodes SS2, the first
connection portion CNE1, and the electrode pattern IEP may be a
transparent conductive material. In an exemplary embodiment, the
first sensing electrodes SS1, the second sensing electrodes SS2,
the first connection portion CNE1, and the electrode pattern IEP
may include transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide
(ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium tin
zinc oxide (ITZO). In addition, the transparent conductive material
may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, a metal nanowire,
graphene, or the like.
[0109] The first insulating layer INS1 may be disposed on the
sensing electrode layer SE. The first insulating layer INS1 may
include at least one of an organic insulating layer including an
organic material and an inorganic insulating layer including an
inorganic material. For example, the first insulating layer INS1
may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and
silicon oxynitride. The first insulating layer INS1 may have a
single layer or a multilayer structure. The first insulating layer
INS1 may be disposed between the sensing electrode layer SE and the
conductive pattern MTP to prevent a short circuit between the first
sensing electrode SS1 and the second sensing electrode SS2 due to
the conductive pattern MTP.
[0110] The first insulating layer INS1 may include an opening OP
partially exposing the sensing electrode layer SE. The opening OP
may be formed in various areas of the first insulating layer INS1.
The first insulating layer INS1 may include a plurality of openings
OP. The opening OP may overlap at least a portion of the sensing
electrode layer SE, and may be spaced apart from the conductive
pattern MTP without overlapping. In an exemplary embodiment, the
opening OP may include at least one of a first opening OP-1, a
second opening OP-2, and a third opening OP-3.
[0111] The first opening OP-1 may be formed to overlap a first
separation area SA1 between the first connection portion CNE1 and
the second sensing electrode SS2. For example, the first opening
OP-1 may expose a portion of the base layer BL in the first
separation area SA1.
[0112] In an exemplary embodiment, the first separation area SA1
may be an area for separating the first sensing electrode SS1 and
the second sensing electrode SS2 from each other to form a
capacitance between the first sensing electrode SS1 and the second
sensing electrode SS2. For example, the first connection portion
CNE1 and the first sensing electrode SS1 may be separated from the
second sensing electrode SS2 by the first separation area SA1.
[0113] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a width WOP of the first
opening OP-1 may be wider than a width WSA of the first separation
area SA1. For example, the first opening OP-1 may extend in the
second direction DR2. The first opening OP-1 may be disposed
between the first bridge electrodes BMT1 adjacent to each other in
the first direction DR1 when viewed in plane. In an exemplary
embodiment, the first opening OP-1 may expose a portion of the
first connection portion CNE1 adjacent to the first separation area
SA1 and a portion of the second sensing electrode SS2 adjacent to
the first separation area SA1. However, the first opening OP-1 is
not limited to the above. In another exemplary embodiment, the
first opening OP-1 may expose only one of the portion of the first
connection portion CNE1 and the portion of the second sensing
electrode SS2, or may not expose the first connection portion CNE1
and the second sensing electrode SS2.
[0114] The second opening OP-2 may be formed to overlap a second
separation area SA2 between the first connection portion CNE1 and
the electrode pattern IEP. For example, the second opening OP-2 may
extend in the first direction DR1. The second opening OP-2 may be
disposed between the first bridge electrode BMT1 and the second
bridge electrode BMT2 adjacent to each other in the second
direction DR2 when viewed in plane. For example, the second opening
OP-2 may expose a portion of the base layer BL in the second
separation area SA2. Here, the second separation area SA2 may be an
area surrounding the electrode pattern IEP. The electrode pattern
IEP and the first connection portion CNE1 may be separated from
each other by the second separation area SA2.
[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the second opening OP-2 may
expose a portion of the first connection portion CNE1 adjacent to
the second separation area SA2 and a portion of the electrode
pattern IEP adjacent to the second separation area SA2. However,
the second opening OP-2 is not limited to the above. In another
exemplary embodiment, the second opening OP-2 may expose only one
of the portion of the first connection portion CNE1 and the portion
of the electrode pattern IEP, or may not expose the first
connection portion CNE1 and the electrode pattern IEP.
[0116] The third opening OP-3 may be formed to overlap the second
separation area SA2 between the first sensing electrode SS1 and the
electrode pattern IEP. For example, the third opening OP-3 may
extend in the first direction DR1. As described above, the second
separation area SA2 may be an area surrounding the electrode
pattern IEP, and in the second separation area SA2, the third
opening OP-3 may expose a portion of the base layer BL. At this
time, the second opening OP-2 and the third opening OP-3 may not
overlap each other. The electrode pattern IEP and the first sensing
electrode SS1 may be separated from each other by the second
separation area SA2.
[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, the third opening OP-3 may
expose a portion of the first sensing electrode SS1 adjacent to the
second separation area SA2 and a portion of the electrode pattern
IEP adjacent to the second separation area SA2. However, the third
opening OP-3 is not limited to the above. In another exemplary
embodiment, the third opening OP-3 may expose only one of the
portion of the first sensing electrode SS1 and the portion of the
electrode pattern IEP, or may not expose the first sensing
electrode SS1 and the electrode pattern IEP.
[0118] The position of the opening OP is not limited to the above,
and the opening OP may be formed at more various positions. For
example, as shown in FIG. 4B, an opening OP' of a touch sensor TS'
may further include a fourth opening OP-4. The fourth opening OP-4
may be formed to overlap the first separation area SA1 between the
first sensing electrode SS1 and the second sensing electrode SS2.
For example, the fourth opening OP-4 may extend in a direction
different from the first and second directions DR1 and DR2. In the
first separation area SA1, the fourth opening OP-4 may expose a
portion of the base layer BL. The first sensing electrode SS1 and
the second sensing electrode SS2 may be separated from each other
by the first separation area SA1.
[0119] In an exemplary embodiment, the fourth opening OP-4 may
expose a portion of the first sensing electrode SS1 adjacent to the
first separation area SA1 and a portion of the second sensing
electrode SS2 adjacent to the first separation area SA1. However,
the fourth opening OP-4 is not limited to the above. In another
exemplary embodiment, the fourth opening OP-4 may expose only one
of the portion of the first sensing electrode SS1 and the portion
of the second sensing electrode SS2, or may not expose the first
sensing electrode SS1 and the second sensing electrode SS2.
[0120] Referring to FIG. 6, a contact hole CNT for connection
between the second sensing electrode SS2 and the conductive pattern
MTP and connection between the electrode pattern IEP and the
conductive pattern MTP may be formed in the first insulating layer
INS1. A portion of each of the second sensing electrode SS2 and the
electrode pattern IEP may be exposed by the contact hole CNT. The
contact hole CNT and the opening OP may be formed in different
portions. In an exemplary embodiment, after the first insulating
layer INS1 is deposited, a portion of the first insulating layer
INS1 corresponding to the contact hole CNT may be etched, and thus
a portion of the second sensing electrode SS2 may be exposed.
[0121] The conductive pattern MTP may be disposed on the first
insulating layer INS1. For example, the conductive pattern MTP may
be disposed on a layer different from the sensing electrode layer
SE. Specifically, the conductive pattern MTP may be disposed on a
layer different from the first connection portion CNE1, the first
sensing electrode SS1, the second sensing electrode SS2, and the
electrode pattern IEP. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive
pattern MTP may be disposed on the first insulating layer INS1 to
overlap the first sensing electrode SS1, the second sensing
electrode SS2, and the electrode pattern IEP.
[0122] The conductive pattern MTP may include a first bridge
electrode BMT1 and a second bridge electrode BMT2. The first bridge
electrode BMT1 may connect one of the adjacent second sensing
electrodes SS2 and the electrode pattern IEP to each other, and the
second bridge electrode BMT2 may connect the other of the adjacent
second sensing electrodes SS2 and the electrode pattern IEP to each
other. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the first bridge electrode
BMT1 of the conductive pattern MTP may contact the electrode
pattern IEP through the contact hole CNT passing through the first
insulating layer INS1 and may contact the second sensing electrode
SS2 through another contact hole CNT passing through the first
insulating layer INS1.
[0123] In an exemplary embodiment, the conductive pattern MTP may
include an opaque metal. The conductive pattern MTP may be a single
layer or multilayer structure including molybdenum (Mo). For
example, the conductive pattern MTP may be a three-layer structure
of molybdenum (Mo)/aluminum (Al)/molybdenum (Mo). However, the
material of the conductive pattern MTP is not limited to the
above.
[0124] The conductive pattern MTP may be formed by patterning a
second conductive layer deposited on the first insulating layer
INS1 using a mask or the like. The contact hole CNT may be filled
with a material included in the conductive pattern MTP.
[0125] The second insulating layer INS2 may be disposed on the
first insulating layer INS1 to cover the conductive pattern MTP.
The second insulating layer INS2 may prevent the conductive pattern
MTP from being exposed to the outside. Thus corrosion and
contamination of the conductive pattern MTP may be minimized or
prevented. The second insulating layer INS2 may include at least
one of an organic insulating layer and an inorganic insulating
layer.
[0126] In an exemplary embodiment, the second insulating layer INS2
may include the same material as the first insulating layer INS1.
Even though the first insulating layer INS1 and the second
insulating layer INS2 include the same material, since the first
insulating layer INS1 and the second insulating layer INS2 are
formed in different manufacturing processes, an interface may be
formed between the first insulating layer INS1 and the second
insulating layer INS2. However, the material of the second
insulating layer INS2 is not limited to the above. In another
exemplary embodiment, the second insulating layer INS2 may include
an insulating material different from that of the first insulating
layer INS1.
[0127] The second insulating layer INS2 may cover an area exposed
by the opening OP of the first insulating layer INS1. For example,
as shown in FIG. 5, the second insulating layer INS2 may cover a
portion where the base layer BL is exposed by the first opening
OP-1. Accordingly, the second insulating layer INS2 may contact the
base layer BL in the first separation area SA1 between the first
connection portion CNE1 and the second sensing electrode SS2.
[0128] In addition, the second insulating layer INS2 may cover a
portion where the sensing electrode layer SE is exposed by the
first opening OP-1. For example, the second insulating layer INS2
may cover a portion of the first connection portion CNE1 and a
portion of the second sensing electrode SS2 exposed by the first
opening OP-1, and may contact the portion of the first connection
portion CNE1 and the second sensing electrode SS2.
[0129] Further, referring to FIG. 2A, the window panel WP (or the
window unit) may be disposed on the touch sensor TS (or the input
sensing layer ISL). The conductive pattern MTP may be disposed
between the sensing electrode layer SE and the window panel WP. For
example, the conductive pattern MTP may be disposed closer to the
window panel WP than the sensing electrode layer SE.
[0130] In a manufacturing process of the touch sensor TS, static
electricity may be generated by an external factor (for example, a
photolithography process), and the static electricity may flow into
the sensing area SA of the touch sensor TS from the outside.
[0131] For example, when the static electricity flows into the
touch sensor TS from the outside after the sensing electrode layer
SE and the first insulating layer INS1 are formed and before the
conductive pattern MTP is formed, the static electricity may be
accumulated in a capacitor that is formed by the sensing electrode
layers SE adjacent to each other (for example, the first connection
portion CNE1 and the second sensing electrode SS2 adjacent to each
other) and the first insulating layer INS1 disposed therebetween.
When the static electricity is accumulated, the voltage in the
capacitor can become high, and the first insulating layer INS1 may
be deformed and damaged by heat caused by the high voltage. When
the first insulating layer INS1 is damaged, various defects such as
a defect in which the second sensing electrode SS2 is shorted may
occur in a post manufacturing process.
[0132] Accordingly, the touch sensor TS according to some exemplary
embodiments includes the opening OP for minimizing or preventing
the accumulation of static electricity to a high voltage level.
Thus, a short circuit defect or the like of the touch sensor TS in
the manufacturing process due to the inflow of the static
electricity may be minimized or prevented.
[0133] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the first separation area
SA1 between the first connection portion CNE1 and the second
sensing electrode SS2, the portion of the first connection portion
CNE1 adjacent to the first separation area SA1, and the portion of
the second sensing electrode SS2 adjacent to the first separation
area SA1 are exposed to an air layer by the first opening OP-1.
Further, since the air layer having a dielectric constant lower
than that of the first insulating layer INS1 is positioned between
the first connection portion CNE1 and the second sensing electrode
SS2 during the manufacturing process, the capacitance of the
capacitor formed between the first connection portion CNE1 and the
second sensing electrode SS2 may be minimized or reduced. Thus, the
first connection portion CNE1 and the second sensing electrode SS2
may have the substantially same potential. Therefore, when the
static electricity flows from the outside, the static electricity
may not be accumulated in the capacitor between the first
connection portion CNE1 and the second sensing electrode SS2, and
the introduced static electricity may be easily discharged through
another path. As a result, the touch sensor TS may have robust
characteristic to minimize accumulation of static electricity
during the manufacturing process, thereby protecting the touch
senor TS from static electricity during the manufacturing
process.
[0134] Hereinafter, another exemplary embodiment of the touch
sensor will be described. In the following exemplary embodiment,
description of the same components as the illustrated exemplary
embodiment previously described will be referred to by the same
reference numerals, will be omitted or simplified to avoid
redundancy, and differences will be mainly described.
[0135] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of the EA portion in FIG. 3
illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of
FIG. 3. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a CA portion in FIG. 8. FIG.
10A is an enlarged view the CA portion in FIG. 8 illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of FIG. 8. FIG.
10B is an enlarged view of the CA portion in FIG. 8 illustrating
another exemplary embodiment of the touch sensor of FIG. 8.
[0136] The exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 8 to 10B is different in
that the touch sensor TS_2 further includes a concave portion CP
compared with the above-described exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3
to 6, and other configurations are substantially the same.
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 4A and 8 to 10B, the touch sensor TS_2
may include a sensing electrode layer SE_2 and a conductive pattern
MTP disposed on the sensing electrode layer SE_2. The sensing
electrode layer SE_2 may include a first sensing electrode SS1_2, a
second sensing electrode SS2_2, and a first connection portion CNE1
connecting the first sensing electrodes SS1_2 adjacent to each
other. The sensing electrode layer SE_2 may include an electrode
pattern IEP_2 that is surrounded by the first sensing electrode
SS1_2 and spaced apart from the first sensing electrode SS1_2 and
the second sensing electrode SS2_2.
[0138] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing electrode layer SE_2
may include at least one recess in the form of a concave portion
CP. A plurality of concave portions CP may be formed in various
areas of the sensing electrode layer SE_2. The concave portion CP
may be formed in an area overlapping the conductive pattern MTP.
Specifically, the concave portion CP may include at least one of a
first concave portion CP-1, a second concave portion CP-2, a third
concave portion CP-3, and a fourth concave portion CP-4.
[0139] The first concave portion CP-1 may be positioned between the
first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode
SS2_2 adjacent to each other. The first concave portion CP-1 may be
formed adjacent to an edge of the first sensing electrode SS1_2.
The first concave portion CP-1 may be formed in a shape recessed
from the edge of the first sensing electrode SS1_2 to the inside of
the first sensing electrode SS1_2 in a plan view. For example, the
first concave portion CP-1 may be formed at the edge of the first
sensing electrode SS1_2 and recessed toward the electrode pattern
IEP_2 surrounded by the first sensing electrode SS1_2. The first
concave portion CP-1 may be an area from which at least a portion
of the edge of the first sensing electrode SS1_2 is removed.
[0140] At least a portion of the first concave portion CP-1 may
overlap the conductive pattern MTP. For example, the first concave
portion CP-1 may overlap the first bridge electrode BMT1 of the
conductive pattern MTP.
[0141] Similarly to the first concave portion CP-1, the second
concave portion CP-2 may be positioned between the first sensing
electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode SS2_2 adjacent to
each other. The second concave portion CP-2 may be formed adjacent
to an edge of the second sensing electrode SS2_2. The second
concave portion CP-2 may be formed in a shape recessed from the
edge of the second sensing electrode SS2_2 to the inside of the
second sensing electrode SS2_2 in a plan view. The second concave
portion CP-2 may be an area from which at least a portion of the
edge of the second sensing electrode SS2_2 is removed.
[0142] At least a portion of the second concave portion CP-2 may
overlap the conductive pattern MTP. For example, the second concave
portion CP-2 may overlap the first bridge electrode BMT1 of the
conductive pattern MTP.
[0143] The third concave portion CP-3 may be positioned between the
first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the electrode pattern IEP
adjacent to each other. The third concave portion CP-3 may be
formed adjacent to the edge of the first sensing electrode SS1_2.
The third concave portion CP-3 may be formed in a shape recessed
from the edge of the first sensing electrode SS1_2 to the inside of
the first sensing electrode SS1_2 in a plan view. The third concave
portion CP-3 may be an area from which at least a portion of the
edge of the first sensing electrode SS1_2 is removed.
[0144] At least a portion of the third concave portion CP-3 may
overlap the conductive pattern MTP. For example, the third concave
portion CP-3 may overlap the second bridge electrode BMT2 of the
conductive pattern MTP.
[0145] The fourth concave portion CP-4 may be positioned between
the first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the electrode pattern IEP of
the sensing electrode layer SE_2 adjacent to each other. The fourth
concave portion CP-4 may be formed adjacent to an edge of the
electrode pattern IEP. The fourth concave portion CP-4 may be
formed in a shape recessed from the edge of the electrode pattern
IEP to the inside of the electrode pattern IEP in a plan view. The
fourth concave portion CP-4 may be an area from which at least a
portion of the edge of the electrode pattern IEP is removed.
[0146] At least a portion of the fourth concave portion CP-4 may
overlap the conductive pattern MTP. For example, the fourth concave
portion CP-4 may overlap the second bridge electrode BMT2 of the
conductive pattern MTP.
[0147] As described above, when the sensing electrode layer SE_2 of
the touch sensor TS_2 includes the concave portion CP in an area
overlapping the conductive pattern MTP, in a manufacturing process
of the touch sensor TS_2, the accumulation of static electricity in
a capacitor between adjacent electrodes (for example, the first
sensing electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode SS2_2) may
be reduced. Accordingly, the touch sensor TS_2 may be protected
from static electricity in the manufacturing process such that
damage of the sensing electrode layer SE_2 due to the static
electricity may be minimized.
[0148] Specifically, in order to prevent a defect due to static
electricity in the manufacturing process, each of the first sensing
electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode SS2_2 may be
electrically connected to an anti-static structure through the
signal line CL. For example, the static electricity flowed into the
first sensing electrode SS1_2 may be moved to the anti-static
structure through the first connection portion CNE1 and the first
sensing electrodes SS1_2 and may be discharged, and the static
electricity flowed into the second sensing electrode SS2_2 may be
moved to the anti-static structure through the second connection
portion CNE2 and the second sensing electrode SS2_2 and may be
discharged.
[0149] Referring to FIG. 9, the static electricity flowed into the
second sensing electrode SS2_2 may be moved to the conductive
pattern MTP through the contact hole CNT, may be moved to another
second sensing electrode SS2_2 or anti-static structure along the
conductive pattern MTP, and may be discharged. In a process in
which the introduced static electricity moves through the
conductive pattern MTP, static electricity may be accumulated to
generate a voltage in an area overlapping the conductive pattern
MTP. For example, static electricity may be accumulated in a
capacitor formed between the first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the
second sensing electrode SS2_2 in the area overlapping the
conductive pattern MTP.
[0150] When the first sensing electrode SS1_2 does not include the
first concave portion CP-1, the distance between the first sensing
electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode SS2_2 becomes
narrowed to a first distance G1. Thus, the capacitor formed between
the first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode
SS2_2 may have a large capacitance. As a result, the static
electricity may accumulate voltage to a high level.
[0151] As described above, when the static electricity is
accumulated to the high voltage, the first insulating layer INS1
covering the sensing electrode layer SE_2 may be deformed or
damaged by heat caused by the high voltage. In particular, the
static electricity may be accumulated to the high voltage at a
first point ESD1 as an intersection point between the edge of the
first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the conductive pattern MTP. When
the first insulating layer INS1 of the first point ESD1 is damaged
by the static electricity accumulated to the high voltage, a
portion of the first sensing electrode SS1_2 may be exposed. Thus,
a defect of a short circuit between the first sensing electrode
SS1_2 and the conductive pattern MTP may occur.
[0152] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, when the touch sensor TS_2
includes the first concave portion CP-1, the area where the static
electricity of the first sensing electrode SS1_2 is accumulated may
be changed from the first point ESD1 to a second point ESD2. In
addition, the distance between the first sensing electrode SS1_2
and the second sensing electrode SS2_2 may be increased from the
first distance G1 to a second distance G2. As the distance between
the first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode
SS2_2 is increased, the capacitance of a capacitor formed between
the first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode
SS2_2 may be decreased. Thus, the damage of the first insulating
layer INS1 due to the accumulated static electricity between the
first sensing electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode
SS2_2 may be minimized or prevented.
[0153] In FIGS. 8 and 9, the shape of the concave portion CP is a
generally quadrangle shape in a plan view, but exemplary
embodiments are not limited thereto. When the second distance G2
between the sensing electrode layers SE_2 (for example, the first
sensing electrode SS1_2 and the second sensing electrode SS2_2)
adjacent to each other in an area including the concave portion CP
is greater than the first distance G1 between the sensing electrode
layers SE_2 adjacent to each other in an area that does not include
the concave portion CP, the shape of the concave portion CP is not
limited to a particular shape. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, a
touch sensor TS_2a may include a concave portion CPa having a
triangular shape in a plan view. In addition, as shown in FIG. 10B,
a touch sensor TS_2b may include a concave portion CPb having a
semicircular shape in a plan view.
[0154] Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations
have been described herein, other embodiments and modifications
will be apparent from this description. Accordingly, the inventive
concepts are not limited to such embodiments, but rather to the
broader scope of the appended claims and various obvious
modifications and equivalent arrangements as would be apparent to a
person of ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *